Farmer suffers setback

JUST as he was getting into the groove of sugarcane farming, Wairabetia grower Mohammed Salim suffered a huge setback when his cane farm was hit by strong winds and inundated with water on Thursday.

"I was previously employed as a driver and digger operator, but I left it to take up farming because I saw it as a good way to earn money by working for myself," the 35-year-old said.

"And even though my three-acre farm has been damaged, I do not regret the decision I made because cane farming has earned me more money than my previous job.

"I just have to put in a bit more work and rebuild my farm."

Mr Salim said since taking up cane farming three years ago, he had managed to produce 200 tonnes per season.

"If I had access to a tractor and farming implements, I would be able to produce better cane but for the time being, I will continue to do things on my own and hope that some assistance will be provided to new farmers like me."